The Chief Justice of India (CJI) Nuthalapati Venkata Ramana on Saturday said that the political party in power believes that its every action will get judicial endorsement and the opposition parties expect the judiciary to put forward their political positions and cause.
Speaking at a felicitation organised by the Association of Indian Americans in San Francisco in the United States, CJI Ramana said that however, the judiciary is answerable to the constitution only.
He said, “As we celebrate 75th year of Independence this year and as our Republic turned 72, with some sense of regret I must add here that we still haven't learnt to appreciate wholly the roles and responsibilities assigned by the Constitution to each of the Institutions.”
CJI Ramana said, “The party in power believes that every Governmental action is entitled to judicial endorsement. The parties in opposition expect the judiciary to advance their political positions and causes. This flawed thinking of all hues flourishes in the absence of proper understanding among people about the Constitution and the functioning of the democratic institutions.”
“It is the vigorously promoted ignorance among the general public which is coming to the aid of such forces whose only aim is to run down the only independent organ i.e., the judiciary. Let me make it clear. We are answerable to the Constitution and Constitution alone. To enforce checks and balances envisioned in the Constitution, we need to promote Constitutional culture in India. We need to spread awareness about the roles and responsibilities of individuals and institutions. Democracy is all about participation,” he added.
The CJI then said that both the nations are known for their diversity and this diversity needs to be honoured and cherished everywhere in the world.
As the United States honours and respects diversity, Indians were able to reach the country and make a mark through their hard work and skills, he told the community there.
Speaking further, he said, “It is the tolerance and inclusive nature of American society that is able to attract the best talents from all over the world, which in turn is contributing to its growth. Honouring qualified talents from diverse backgrounds is also essential to sustain the confidence of all sections of the society in the system. This principle of inclusivity is universal. It needs to be honoured everywhere in the world, including in India.”
India needed to focus more on the issues that unite and not on those that divide the country, the CJI said.
“Inclusivity strengthens the unity in society which is key to peace and progress. We need to focus on issues that unite us. Not on those that divide us. In the 21st century, we cannot allow petty, narrow and divisive issues to dictate human and societal relationships. We have to rise above all the divisive issues to remain focused on human development. A non-inclusive approach is an invitation to disaster,” CJI Ramana said.
Moreover, CJI Ramana also reminded the audience that while they may be enjoying a better life in the USA, their parents, relatives and near ones back in India should also be able to live a peaceful life free from hate and violence.
He said, “Please remember. You all might have become millionaires and billionaires. For you to enjoy your wealth, you need to have peace around you. Your parents back home also should be able to live in a society which is free from hate and violence.”
CJI Ramana also said that a country that welcomes all cultures with open arms is a nation that honours and respects every bound to be progressive, peaceful and vibrant.
It is this notion that language is the character that promotes prosperity, the CJI said.
Indians in the US have played an important and active role in building modern America, he said, adding that from modest beginnings they had transformed not only their identities but also the face of this nation. This journey was made possible only because of your sheer hard work, passion, and dedication, he said.
"It is the progressive partnership between the people of India and America that has led to massive bilateral goods trade worth 113 billion dollars in the year 2021. I am very happy to learn that 50 per cent of the Business - to - Business Start-Ups in Silicon Valley are founded or funded or run by Indians. This huge leap will certainly inspire and motivate Indians everywhere," CJI Ramana said.